Exercise scooter with stunt features

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a human powered exercise scooter. More particularly, the invention allows a standing user to power the wheeled scooter by moving stabilized pedals with the feet along a closed loop arcuate curve to drive at least one wheel of the scooter. Further, steering, hand brake and stunt features are provided.  
     The traditional kick scooter comprises a pair of small wheels, steering and a platform to support at least one foot. Propulsion is achieved by pushing the scooter with one foot in contact with the ground while the other foot remains on the platform. While this type scooter is popular today among youngsters, the scooter is slow as a means of transport with a bumpy ride and tends to exercise one leg differently than the other.  
     Stunt features are provided to perform certain tricks such as wheelies, rail grinding and step maneuvers. The pedals have curved ends to accomodate the feet during the downward power stroke.

[0001] This application is a Continuation-in-Part of application Ser.No. 09/895572 filed Jul. 2, 2001 titled EXERCISE SCOOTER.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a human powered exercisescooter. More particularly, the invention allows a standing user topower the wheeled scooter by moving stabilized pedals with the feetalong a closed loop arcuate curve to drive at least one wheel of thescooter. Further, steering, hand brake and stunt features are provided.

[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0005] The traditional kick scooter comprises a pair of small wheels,steering and a platform to support at least one foot. Propulsion isachieved by pushing the scooter with one foot in contact with the groundwhile the other foot remains on the platform. While this type scooter ispopular today among youngsters, the scooter is slow as a means oftransport with a bumpy ride and tends to exercise one leg differentlythan the other. Whitson et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 5,470,089 shows ascooter having larger wheels to improve the speed and comfort of a kickscooter. Rappaport in U.S. Pat. No. 5,785,331 adds a second foot boardto the kick scooter for better support. Grutzik in U.S. Pat. No.5,899,474 shows a velocipede type scooter using an eccentrically mountedfront wheel in an attempt to enhance kick propulsion of a scooter.Dickson in U.S. Pat. No. 5,992,864 shows a scooter having larger wheelsadapted from a bicycle. Tsai in U.S. Pat. No. 6,120,044 offers afoldable rollerboard as a scooter variation. All of this prior art, usekick propulsion.

[0006] Additional forms of human propulsion have also been tried forland transport. Chase in U.S. Pat. No. 4,053,173, Titcomb in U.S. Pat.No. 4,379,566, Bortolin in U.S. Pat. No. 4,456,276 and Schirrmacher inU.S. Pat. No. 4,561,318 use varying forms of up and down swing arms topropel scooters and bicycles.

[0007] The classic bicycle crank remains the most popular means topropel a bicycle for a seated user. However, freely rotating pedals donot provide sufficient support for mostly standup operation. The use ofstabilized pedals as a means for propulsion start to appear with Boyd inU.S. Pat. No. 1,323,004 where a bicycle crank is adapted with anelongate pedal connected to the crank and to a rocker link pivoted atthe rear of the bicycle for increased crank leverage.

[0008] Nickey in U.S. Pat. No 1,273,906 places the feet on a pair ofelongate pedals connected to both a crank and a rocker link to drive awagon. Walter in U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,557,634 and 1,617,357 shows a threewheeled scooter having foot platforms that rest on a roller in the frontand drive a crank attached to the wheels in the rear. Stienbarber et al.in U.S. Pat. No. 5,110,148 shows a three wheeled scooter having footplatforms that drive a crank attached to a pair of wheels. Another threewheeled scooter is shown by Benjamin in U.S. Pat. No. 1,977,035 that hasa pair of foot platforms that drive the rear wheels. Yang in U.S. Pat.No. 4,779,868 shows a pair of pedals on a scooter type device that swingup and down to drive the front wheel. Geschwender in U.S. Pat. No.5,630,774 offers an exercise apparatus similar to a scooter having threewheels and pedals connected to both a crank and a rocker link pivotedover the rear wheel. None of this prior art address a stabilized pedalfor propulsion that fully supports the heel of the foot duringoperation.

[0009] Brockman in U.S. Pat. No. 2,641,249 offers a stationary exercisecycle having a pedal braced to foot and upper leg during seatedexercise. Eschenbach in U.S. Pat. No. 5,279,529 shows stabilized pedalplatforms that maintains heel support for standing exercise and proposesa variation for bicycle propulsion. Rodgers, Jr. in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,527,246 and 5,611,757 shows a mobile exercise apparatus having a pedalsupported by complex linkage to follow a running motion as a means forpropulsion.

[0010] The addition of a third wheel or roller has been known for quitesome time on bicycles as a safety feature to prevent excessive elevationof the front wheel. Matthews in U.S. Pat. No. 634,062 shows a springloaded third wheel added to a bicycle. Stuart et al. in U.S. Pat. No.1,472,375 shows a pair of rollers added to a scooter to aid in the safeelevation of the front wheel. Banks in U.S. Pat. No. 1,537,729 andMarasco in U.S. Pat. No. 3,427,037 show a third wheel added to a wheeledtoy horse for safer rearing. Wyman et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 5,765,871shows a tricycle for front wheel elevation. Hansen in U.S. Pat. No.3,284,096 shows a roller added to a bicycle to allow safer front wheelelevation. Howard in U.S. Pat. No. 3,653,679 offers a third wheel withextra seat for front wheel elevation. Thereafter, a variety of one ormore wheels are offered as safety features by Moore in U.S. Pat. No.4,012,054, Parrilla in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,997,185 and 3,888,511, Wilson etal. in U.S. Pat. No. 4,153,268, Newman in U.S. Pat. No. 4,154,452 andYoung in U.S. Pat. No. 5,368,323. The term “Wheelie” is used with theaddition of rollers to bicycles in U.S. Pat. No. 4,367,883, Sutton inU.S. Pat. No. 5,330,221, Smith in U.S. Pat. No. D366,636 and Long inU.S. Pat. No. 6,149,179. In each example, the rider shifts body weightwhile remaining seated or on the pedals to elevate the front wheel.

[0011] The use of a step to mount a bicycle is shown by Benfield in U.S.Pat. No. 374,287. Arico provides a step that can be used to propel abicycle in wheelie mode as a kick scooter.

[0012] None of this prior art offers a means for scooter propulsion thatenhances the circular movement of a crank and fully supports the feet ofa standing operator that allows the user to perform certain tricks.Hence, the need exists for an exercise exercise scooter havingstabilized pedals that fully support both feet of a standing operatorand drive a crank to propel a wheel while allowing the user to performcertain tricks or stunts.

[0013] It is one objective of the present invention to providestabilized pedals which follow a closed loop elongate curve that drivesat least one wheel of an exercise exercise scooter. Another objective ofthis invention is to curve the pedal end for better heel support.Another objective of this invention is to provide a grinder bar allowingthe user to elevate the scooter to be supported underneath by astationary rail as a stunt. Another objective of this invention is toincorporate a step attached to the frame for foot support that allowsanother trick. Yet another objective of this invention is to provide aframe extension with foot pegs to allow easy wheelies for a novicerider.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention relates to a wheeled exercise scooterhaving pedals for propulsion that can be used for exercise and toperform certain tricks or stunts. Pedals are provided that follow anorbital movement to propel the exercise scooter. Various features areadded to the frame to facilitate certain stunts.

[0015] In the preferred embodiment, a frame capable of supporting a useris adapted for at least two wheels in contact with the ground. A firstwheel is rotatably connected to a fork that is rotatably connected tothe frame for steering. A handlebar extends upward from the fork tosupport the hands. The handlebar can be folded to lower the height ofthe scooter for stowage or transport. A second wheel is rotatablyconnected to the frame.

[0016] A crank is rotatably connected to the frame positioned adjacentthe second wheel and protrudes on either side. The crank and secondwheel are engaged with sprockets and a chain to form a drive coupling. Apair of foot support members having foot engaging pedals with curvedends are pivotally connected to the crank intermediate the ends. Thecurved ends provide better heel support in the upper positions of thepedals. A pair of guides in the form of rocker links are pivotallyconnected to the frame positioned adjacent the first wheel. The otherend of the foot support member is pivotally connected to the rockerlink. Hand brakes are adapted to the first and second wheels andconnected to a brake levers on the handlebar by cables.

[0017] Application of alternating body weight on the stabilized pedalswith the feet cause the crank to rotate and propel the second wheel withthe drive coupling. Since the pedal angles are predetermined to maintainthe heel upon the pedals, full body weight can safely be applied to thepedals with the heel of the foot in contact with the curved portion ofthe pedals for efficient power transfer to the second wheel. Oncecruising speed has been reached, the feet may be repositioned moreforward where the toe contacts the toe stop for easy pedaling tomaintain speed.

[0018] A grinder bar is attached to the frame generally horizontalpositioned below the bearing housing for the crank. The grinder barallows the exercise scooter to be raised off the ground to be supportedby a rail during operation as a rail stunt. A step is attached to theframe positioned above the crank bearing housing. The step provides footsupport other than the pedals for trick riding.

[0019] A frame extension extends to the rear of the exercise scooter tosupport one or more rollers. When the front wheel is elevated, therollers contact the ground preventing a further rise in the front wheel.Foot pegs are positioned between the axle of the rear wheel and rollers.When body weight is moved to the foot pegs, the front wheel is elevatedand the rollers make contact with the ground. This stunt is referred toas a “wheelie”.

[0020] Application of body weight on the pedal provides propulsionsimilar to a bicycle. Pedaling may be continued while using a seat (notshown). The step can be used for foot support during the rail stunt.Foot pegs are available for the wheelie stunt.

[0021] Coasting is comfortable when the pedals are positioned generallyparallel to allow support for each foot. A one way clutch in the secondwheel allows the pedals to be reversed to the coasting mode orpositioned for easy starting.

[0022] In summary, this invention provides the user with pedal operationwith little or no impact to the body to propel an exercise scooter. Thecurved pedal ends assure a stable foot position during the downwardpower stroke. Certain stunts are easier to achieve with the addition ofthe grinder bar, step and frame extension with foot pegs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023]FIG. 1 is a right side elevation of the preferred embodiment of anexercise scooter constructed in accordance with the present inventionwith pedals in the highest and lowest positions;

[0024]FIG. 2 is a plan view of the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0025] Referring to the drawings in detail, pedals 46,48 are shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 in generally their highest and lowest positions of thepreferred embodiment. Pedals 46,48 are supported by foot support members20,22. Cranks 28,30 are maintained generally 180 degrees apart and arerotatably connected to crank housing 31. Foot support members 20,22 areconnected to cranks 28,30 at pivots 21,23 and to rocker links 24,26 atpivots 25,27. Rocker links 24,26 are connected to frame 42 at pivot 29.

[0026] First wheel 32 is rotatably connected to fork 16 at axle 35. Fork16 is rotatably connected to fork housing 37 to accommodate steering.Knobs 19 lock clamp 39 to secure handlebar 36 to fork 16. When knob 19is loosened, handlebar 36 may be folded down for stowage.

[0027] Second wheel 34 is rotatably connected to frame members 72,74 byaxle 33. Sprocket 43 is connected to wheel 34 with a one-way clutch (notshown). Sprocket 3 is attached to cranks 28,30 and is engaged withsprocket 43 by chain 45. Frame members 42 and 44 are attached to crankbearing housing 31 and fork housing 37. Frame member 57 connects bearinghousing 31 to frame members 72,74.

[0028] Application of body weight on pedals 46,48, cause the pedals46,48 to follow a closed loop elongate curve (not shown) with associatedpredetermined pedal 46,48 angles. Pedals 46,48 have curved rearwardportions 85,87 for better heel support in the upper positions. Thepositions of pedal ends 85,87 are farther apart than crank pins 21,23providing more leverage for uphill cycling. Pedals 46,48 also have toestops 6,8 at the forward ends and side foot guards 2,4 to avoid contactwith the crank. The foot of the user may be moved on pedals 46,48 duringoperation to vary leverage imposed upon the crank 28,30.

[0029] Brake calipers 18 are connected to fork 16 at pivot 17. Handlever 38 is mounted to handlebar 36 and connected to calipers 18 bycable 41. Rear wheel 34 brake calipers 40 are connected to handle 90 bycable 91.

[0030] Grinder bar 49 is attached to frame member 42 by strut 53 and tocrank bearing housing 31 by strut 57. Frame members 72,74 are attachedto grinder bar 49 and provide support for axle 33. The grinder bar 49 ispositioned generally horizontal to maintain contact with a supportstructure such as stationary rail 63 during the stunt. Rail 63 is showngenerally angled to frame member 42 in FIG. 2 where the exercise scooterwould be moving in a direction generally along the rail 63.

[0031] Frame extensions 58,60 are attached to frame members 72,74 andextend rearwards of axle 33. Rollers 93,95 are rotatably connected toframe extensions 58,60 at axle 71. Foot pegs 82,84 are attached to frameextensions 58,60 behind axle 33 to provide alternate foot support duringstunts. Pegs 82,84 can be moved to other locations 73,75.

[0032] Step 47 is attached to frame 44 to provide alternate foot supportduring tricks. Front wheel 32 can be elevated with rollers 93,95 andsecond wheel 34 in contact with the ground. The feet of the user can beon foot pegs 82,84 such that body weight is shared by rollers 93,95 andsecond wheel 34. Elevating wheel 32 is referred to as a wheelie stunt.

[0033] The present invention may be embodied in other specific formswithout departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Thedescribed embodiments are to be considered in all respects only asillustrative, and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is,therefore, indicated by the claims, rather than by foregoingdescription. All changes which come within the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

What is claimed is:
 1. A scooter configured for user propulsioncomprising: a frame, said frame capable of supporting a user; a firstwheel, said first wheel in contact with the ground and operablyassociated with said frame for steering said exercise scooter; a secondwheel, said second wheel rotatably connected to said frame and incontact with said ground; a crank, said crank positioned adjacent saidsecond wheel protruding on either side of said frame and rotatablyconnected to said frame at a bearing housing; a drive coupling, saiddrive coupling operably associated with said crank and said secondwheel; a pair of pedals, each said pedal operably associated with saidcrank for each foot of the user; a grinder bar, said grinder barattached to said frame positioned below said bearing housing; said pedalconfigured to move relative to said frame when the foot of said user isrotating said crank whereby said user can maneuver said scooter to causesaid grinder bar to contact a stationary support while said scooter isin motion.
 2. The scooter according to claim 1 wherein said pedal has acurved end, said curved end positioned to support the heel of the foot.3. The scooter according to claim 1 wherein said pedal further includesa toe stop, said toe stop restricting the movement of said foot forwardalong said pedal.
 4. The scooter according to claim 1 further comprisinga guide, said guide operably associated with said pedal and said frameto control the angular movement of said pedal.
 5. The scooter accordingto claim 4 wherein said guide comprises a rocker link, said rocker linkpivotally connected to said pedal and to said frame.
 6. The scooteraccording to claim 1 further comprising a brake, said brake operablyassociated with said steering and at least one wheel.
 7. The scooteraccording to claim 1 wherein said drive coupling comprises a pair ofsprockets, one sprocket secured to said crank and the other sprocketsecured to said second wheel and where said sprockets are engaged by achain.
 8. The scooter according to claim 1 wherein said stationarysupport is a rail, said rail being raised above the ground for contactwith said grinder bar.
 9. The scooter according to claim 8 wherein saidgrinder bar is positioned generally horizontal for contact with saidrail.
 10. The scooter according to claim 1 further comprising a step,said step positioned above the bearing housing and attached to saidframe to support said foot of the user.
 11. The scooter according toclaim 1 further comprising a frame extension, said frame extensionattached to said frame and protruding rearwards of said second wheelrotatable connection.
 12. The scooter according to claim 11 furthercomprising a roller, said roller rotatably connected to said frameextension for rolling contact with the ground when said first wheel iselevated.
 13. The scooter according to claim 11 further comprising footpegs, said foot pegs attached to said frame extension available tosupport said foot of the user during operation.
 14. A scooter configuredfor user propulsion comprising: a frame, said frame capable ofsupporting a user; a first wheel, said first wheel in contact with theground and operably associated with said frame for steering saidexercise scooter; a second wheel, said second wheel rotatably connectedto said frame and in contact with said ground; a crank, said crankpositioned adjacent said second wheel protruding on either side of saidframe and rotatably connected to said frame at a bearing housing; adrive coupling, said drive coupling operably associated with said crankand said second wheel; a pair of pedals, each said pedal operablyassociated with said crank for each foot of the user; a step, said stepattached to said frame positioned above said bearing housing; said pedalconfigured to move relative to said frame when the foot of said user isrotating said crank whereby said step can be used by the user to supportat least one foot during operation of said scooter.
 15. The scooteraccording to claim 14 wherein said step is positioned generallyhorizontal to support said foot of the user.
 16. The scooter accordingto claim 14 further comprising a frame extension, said frame extensionattached to said frame and protruding rearwards of said second wheelrotatable connection.
 17. The scooter according to claim 16 furthercomprising a roller, said roller rotatably connected to said frameextension for contact with the ground when said first wheel is elevated.18. The scooter according to claim 16 further comprising foot pegs, saidfoot pegs attached to said frame extension available to support saidfoot of the user during operation.
 19. The scooter according to claim 14further comprising a grinder bar, said grinder bar attached to saidframe below said bearing housing for contact with a stationary supportduring operation of said scooter.
 20. A scooter configured for userpropulsion comprising: a frame, said frame capable of supporting a user;a first wheel, said first wheel in contact with the ground and operablyassociated with said frame for steering said exercise scooter; a secondwheel, said second wheel rotatably connected to said frame and incontact with said ground; a second wheel axle, said second wheel axlerotatably supporting said second wheel to said frame; a crank, saidcrank positioned adjacent said second wheel protruding on either side ofsaid frame and rotatably connected to said frame at a bearing housing; adrive coupling, said drive coupling operably associated with said crankand said second wheel; a pair of pedals, each said pedal operablyassociated with said crank for each foot of the user; a frame extension,said frame extension attached to said frame protruding rearwards; a pairof foot pegs, said foot pegs attached to said frame extension rearwardsof said second wheel axle; said pedal configured to move relative tosaid frame when the foot of said user is rotating said crank wherebysaid user can reposition a foot to said foot peg to elevate said firstwheel during operation of said scooter.
 21. The scooter according toclaim 20 further comprising a grinder bar, said grinder bar attached tosaid frame below said bearing housing for contact with a stationarysupport during operation of said scooter.
 22. The scooter according toclaim 20 further comprising a step, said step positioned above thebearing housing and attached to said frame to support said foot of theuser.
 23. The scooter according to claim 20 further comprising a roller,said roller rotatably connected to said frame extension for contact withthe ground when said front wheel is elevated.
 24. The scooter accordingto claim 22 wherein said pedal has curved ends, said curved endsproviding heel support during operation.
 25. A method of riding ascooter of the type having a frame supported by a pair of wheels, ahandlebar to steer one of the wheels, a grinder bar attached to theframe, left and right cranks supported by the frame and rotatablerelative thereto about a common crank axis positioned adjacent the otherwheel, and left and right pedals pivotally connected to respectivecranks, wherein rotation of the cranks is linked to propulsion of awheel, comprising the steps of: standing with a respective foot on eachpedal; steering one of the wheels with the handlebar; moving the pedalsto propel the other wheel; moving the scooter relative to the ground;maneuvering the scooter with the grinder bar in contact with astationary support.
 26. A method of riding a scooter of the type havinga frame supported by a pair of wheels each having an axle, a handlebarto steer one of the wheels, a frame extension attached to the frameprotruding from the other wheel, a foot peg attached to the frameextension distal an axle, left and right cranks supported by the frameand rotatable relative thereto about a common crank axis positionedadjacent the other wheel, and left and right pedals pivotally connectedto respective cranks, wherein rotation of the cranks is linked topropulsion of a wheel, comprising the steps of: standing with arespective foot on each pedal; steering one of the wheels with thehandlebar; moving the pedals to propel the other wheel; moving thescooter relative to the ground; moving a foot to the foot peg;maneuvering the scooter to elevate one of the wheels.